Legislation that aims to reduce downstream disasters by funding floodplain restoration projects in Kern, Tulare and Kings counties was introduced March 28 in the California Senate.
Author Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) proposes funneling $43 million toward floodplain acquisition, habitat restoration and conservation projects:
- $2 million for enhancement of Panorama Vista Preserve along the Kern River in Bakersfield.
- $20 million for acquisition and restoration of floodplains along Poso Creek in Kern County.
- $16 million for acquisition and restoration of floodplains along the North and South forks of the Kings River in Kings County.
- $5 million for enhancement and restoration of floodplains along the upper Kaweah River in Tulare County.
The funding would come from Proposition 4, the $10 billion Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness and Clean Air Bond Act passed by voters in 2024.
Prop. 4 includes $870 million for Wildlife Conservation Board grant programs that will help the state meet biodiversity, public access and conservation goals. Hurtado is angling for these funds. The money would go to the nonprofit River Partners for use in the Tulare Basin, a region Hurtado said has not historically received its fair share of state investment…